12 Kolkata: Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the formation of an SIT for investigation into the complaint of a woman who was allegedly raped by three men in Sandeshkhali on May 16, 2024.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh directed that Rahul Mishra, IPS and SDPO, Baduria, Basirhat police district, be a member along with Bireswar Chatterjee, ACP, homicide section, detective department, Lalbazar. The two senior officers would choose a team of inspectors and sub-inspectors.
"Already there has been a delay in the case," Justice Ghosh said, while ordering that the records be transmitted to Chatterjee, who will coordinate with Mishra on the formation of the team as well as the logistics and support needed from the district and department.
The SIT will have to submit a progress report to the ACJM, Basirhat, once a month. "The present investigation team will put in efforts as there has already been a delay, collect materials if required, send the samples collected or samples required to be collected to the forensic experts, and apply their mind so that effectively the investigation of the case can be taken to its logical conclusion," Justice Ghosh said.
On Jan 8, Justice Jay Sengupta had directed police to provide security to the survivor, who in her application claimed that the accused were moving freely and threatening her. Justice Ghosh said that in case the district administration decided to withdraw the protection, they would have to inform Basirhat ACJM in advance.